Distributed fixture beacon management

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses, methods, apparatuses and systems for a light fixture are disclosed. One apparatus of the light fixture includes a sensor unit and a light intensity controller. The sensor unit includes a sensor operative to generate a sense signal based on at least one of sensed motion or light, wireless communication circuitry operative to maintain a link with a network, and a controller. The controller is operative to manage communication with the network, manage reception of beacons through the wireless communication circuitry, wherein the beacons are received from an object, and the beacons include information associated with the object, and generate dimming control base on at least one of the sensed signal and communication from the network. The light intensity controller is configured to receive the dimming control and operative to adjust an emitted light intensity of a luminaire of the light fixture.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/089,497, filed Apr. 2, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part(CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/549,830, filed Nov. 21,2014, which is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/691,562, filed Nov. 30, 2012, which are herein incorporatedby reference.

FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The described embodiments relate generally to lighting. Moreparticularly, the described embodiments relate to distributed lightfixture beacon management.

BACKGROUND

Lighting control systems automate the operation of lighting within abuilding or residence based upon, for example, preset time schedulesand/or occupancy and/or daylight sensing. The Lighting systems typicallyemploy occupancy sensors and/or daylight sensors to determine whichlighting devices to activate, deactivate, or adjust the light level of,and when to do so. Occupancy sensors typically sense the presence of oneor more persons within a defined area and generate signals indicative ofthat presence. Daylight sensors typically sense the amount of daylightpresent within a defined area and generate signals indicative of thatamount. Typically, lighting systems receive the sensor signals at acentral lighting controller.

The lighting systems are advantageous because they typically reduceenergy costs by automatically lowering light levels or turning offdevices and appliances when not needed, and they can allow all devicesin the system to be controlled from one location.

Centrally controlled lighting systems can be disadvantageous because alldecision making occurs at the controller. Therefore, if the controllerbecomes inoperative, all lighting devices in the system are no longerunder automated control and some or all may not operate even manually.Similarly, if a connection to or from the controller is severed, thelighting devices served by that connection are no longer under automatedcontrol and also may not operate manually. Partial or system-widefunctional changes, such as an immediate need to override current systemsettings (for example, during a fire or other emergency), cannot be madefrom anywhere but the controller. Additionally, centrally-controlledsystems are limited in their ability to be scaled. That is, it is noteasy to add new lighting devices to a centrally-controlled system.

Decentralized lighting systems address many of the above-describedissues. However, decentralized lighting systems require commissioning oflighting devices associated with the lighting systems.

Commissioning is the process of configuring the lighting system. Thisincludes configuring the initial settings on these lighting devices, andobtaining and storing information about the physical location of thedevices and their role in the lighting control topology.

It is desirable to have a method, system and apparatus for distributedlight fixture beacon management.

SUMMARY

One embodiment includes a light fixture. The light fixture includes asensor unit and a light intensity controller. The sensor unit includes asensor operative to generate a sense signal based on at least one ofsensed motion or light, wireless communication circuitry operative tomaintain a link with a network, and a controller. The controller isoperative to manage communication with the network, manage reception ofbeacons through the wireless communication circuitry, wherein thebeacons are received from an object, and the beacons include informationassociated with the object, and generate dimming control base on atleast one of the sensed signal and communication from the network. Thelight intensity controller is configured to receive the dimming controland operative to adjust an emitted light intensity of a luminaire of thelight fixture.

Another embodiment includes a method of operating a light fixture. Themethod includes generating, by a sensor of the light fixture, a sensesignal based on at least one of sensed motion or light, maintaining acommunications link between the light fixture and a network, managingcommunication with the network, managing manage reception of beaconsthrough the wireless communication circuitry, wherein the beacons arereceived from an object, and the beacons include information associatedwith the object, generating dimming control base on at least one of thesensed signal and communication from the network, and adjusting adimming control line of a luminaire of the light fixture based on thedimming control.

Other aspects and advantages of the described embodiments will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example theprinciples of the described embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a plurality of light fixtures that transmit beacons thatare received by a mobile device, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a light fixture, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a light fixture, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart that includes steps of a method of controlling alight fixture, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a user commissioning a light fixture of a lighting controlsystem, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a user commissioning a light fixture of a lighting controlsystem, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a commissioning a gateway of a lighting control system,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a distributed lighting control system that includes thatincludes a logical group of light fixtures and a central controller,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart that includes steps of a method of commissioninga light fixture, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a plurality of light fixtures that receive beacons thatare transmitted by a mobile device, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a light fixture, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a light fixture, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart that includes steps of a method of controlling alight fixture, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a plurality of light fixtures that transmit beacons thatare received by a device, and the plurality of fixtures receive beaconsthat are transmitted by the mobile device, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in the drawings, the described embodiments are embodied in anapparatus and method for distributed light fixtures that transmitbeacons for reception by an object, or for the distributed lightfixtures receiving beacons from the object. For an embodiment, thetransmission of the beacons is utilized for location determination ofthe mobile device and/or the light fixtures.

FIG. 1 shows a plurality of light fixtures that transmit beacons thatare received by a mobile device 130, according to an embodiment. Morespecifically, a subset (110, 111, 113) of the light fixtures 110, 111,112, 113 transmit beacons that are received by the mobile device 130.The mobile device 130 receives the beacons, and utilizing at least someinformation included within the beacons, the mobile device 130 estimatesat least one of its own location and/or a location of one or more of thelight fixtures within a structure 100.

For an embodiment, a power level of signals transmitted from the lightfixtures is limited to be less than a threshold. By limiting the powerlevel of the transmitted signals, the distance at which the transmittedsignals can be received from a mobile device 130 is limited. Forexample, for an embodiment, the transmitted signal includes low-powerBluetooth® wireless signals. Due to the transmitted signal beinglow-power, the mobile device 130 only receive beacons from a lightfixture if the mobile device 130 is within a limited range. For anembodiment, the power level of the transmitted signals is set to be ator lower than a threshold amount to ensure that the mobile device iswithin a specified range of a light fixture in order for the mobiledevice to receive transmitted beacons. For example, as previouslydescribed and shown in FIG. 1, the mobile device 130 may receive beaconstransmitted from the light fixtures 110, 111, 113, but may not receivebeacon from the fixture 112 because the mobile device 130 is out ofrange of the fixture 112.

For at least some embodiment, the beacons include identificationinformation that uniquely identifies that light fixture that transmittedthe beacon. For an embodiment, the beacons include location informationthat includes location information of the transmitting light fixture.Based on the identification information and/or the location informationof the transmitted light fixture, the mobile is able to estimate its ownlocation, or the location of the light fixture that transmitted areceived beacon.

For at least some embodiments, the light fixtures 110, 111, 112, 113manage the transmission of the beacons. For an embodiment, the lightfixtures 110, 111, 112, 113 manage transmission of the beacons by onlytransmitting beacons upon the light fixtures 110, 111, 112, 113 sensingmotion. That is, for example, each of the light fixtures 110, 111, 112,113 only transmits beacons when sensing motion of, for example, the userand the mobile device 130. This advantageously saves power consumed bythe light fixtures 110, 111, 112, 113 because the light fixtures 110,111, 112, 113 only transmit beacons which consumes power when a user isdetected through motion detection.

For another embodiment, the light fixtures 110, 111, 112, 113 onlytransmit beacons when a location request is received by one or more ofthe light fixtures 110, 111, 112, 113 from the mobile device. That is,for example, the mobile device transmits a “where am I” request. Uponreceiving the request, the light fixture(s) that receives the requestbegin(s) transmitting beacons. Again, this embodiment saves powerbecause beacons are only transmitted when requested, and onlytransmitted from light fixtures that receive the request.

FIG. 2 shows a light fixture 202, according to an embodiment. The lightfixture 202 includes a sensor unit 230 and a light intensity controller232. The sensor unit 230 includes at least one sensor (such as, a lightsensor 241, a motion sensor 242, a temperature sensor 243, a camera 244and/or an air quality sensor 245), wherein the sensor operative togenerate a sense signal base on at least one of sensed motion or light.The light fixture 202 further includes communication circuitry 250. Thecommunication circuitry 250 is operative to maintain a link (the linkcan be wired or wireless) with a network. The light fixture 202 furtherincludes a controller 235. For at least some embodiments, the controller235 is operative to manage communication with the network, managetransmission of beacons through the communication circuitry, andgenerate dimming control base on at least one of the sensed signal andcommunication from the network. As described, for at least someembodiments, the beacons include information associated with thefixture. The light intensity controller 232 is configured to receive thedimming control and operative to adjust an emitted light intensity of aluminaire 240 of the light fixture 202.

As previously described, for at least some embodiments, the informationwithin the transmitted beacons that is associated with the fixtureincludes location information of the fixture. For at least someembodiments, the information associated with the fixture includes anidentifier of the fixture.

As previously described, for at least some embodiments, the sensorincludes a motion sensor, and wherein managing transmission of thebeacons includes triggering transmission of a beacon upon sensing motionby the motion sensor. For an embodiment, the transmission of the beaconis triggered by sensing motion of greater than a predeterminedthreshold. For at least some embodiments, the light fixture includes abattery, wherein the battery provides electrical power to the lightfixture. The triggering of beacons under certain conditions (such assensing motion) provides power savings over implementations thatcontinuously transmit beacons. This is desirable for battery poweredlight fixtures.

For at least some embodiments, managing transmission of the beaconsincludes transmitting beacon continuously over time.

As previously described, for at least some embodiments, managingtransmission of the beacons comprises transmitting the beacons with at atransmission signal power level of less than a threshold level, whereinthe transmitted beacon cover less than predetermined area. By limitingthe power level of the transmitted beacons, the range or distance awayfrom a light fixture in which the mobile device 130 can receive beaconsis limited. Therefore, as a first approximation, the location of themobile device can be assumed to be the location of the light fixturethat transmitted the beacon. As the mobile device received beacons frommultiple light fixtures, the estimated location of the mobile device canbe improved. For an embodiment, the beacons are transmitted using alow-power Blue Tooth transceiver.

As previously described, for at least some embodiments, a plurality ofother light fixtures transmit beacons at a transmission signal powerlevel of less than the threshold, enabling a mobile device to receivebeacons from the light fixture and the other light fixtures and estimatea location of the mobile device, wherein estimating the location of themobile device includes measuring a receive signal strength of thereceived beacons, estimating a distance between the mobile device andthe light fixture and between the mobile device and each of the otherlight fixtures, and estimating the location by triangulating theestimated distances. For at least some embodiments, each of the lightfixture and the other light fixtures transmit the beacons after sensingmotion, thereby limiting how many light fixtures transmit beacons.

As previously described, for at least some embodiments, managing thetransmission of beacons includes receiving a location request from amobile device, and responding with transmission of one or more beacons.For at least some embodiments, the transmitted beacons include alocation of the light fixture, and wherein the mobile device determinesits location based on the location information of the light fixture. Forat least some embodiments, the transmitted beacons include an identifierof the light fixture, and wherein the mobile device determines itslocation by determining a location of the light fixture based on theidentifier. For example, for an embodiment, the mobile device accessesthe location based on the identified and known location(s) of the lightfixture(s). At least some embodiments further include supplementing thelocation determination with RSSI (receive signal strength indicator)measurements between the mobile device and the light fixture.

For at least some embodiments, the light fixture is further operative toreceive a broadcast message from a central controller, wherein receptionof the broadcast message puts the light fixture into a known condition,wherein putting the light fixture in the known condition communicates toa user that the light fixture is prepared for commissioning,establishing, through the managed transmission of the beacons,communication between the light fixture and a mobile device of the user,and communicating, by either the light fixture or the mobile device, alocation of the user at a time of the established communication, to thecentral controller, thereby allowing the central controller to record alocation of the light fixture.

FIG. 3 shows a light fixture, according to another embodiment. Theexemplary light fixture 300 (which could alternatively by referred to aslighting control subsystem because of the multiple controls) includes asmart sensor system 302 that is interfaced with a high-voltage manager304, which is interfaced with a luminaire 340. The high-voltage manager304 includes a controller (manager CPU) 320 that is coupled to theluminaire 340, and to a smart sensor CPU 335 of the smart sensor system302. As shown, the smart sensor CPU 335 is coupled to a communicationinterface 350, wherein the communication interface 350 couples thecontroller to an external device. The smart sensor system 302additionally includes a sensor 330. As indicated, the sensor 330 caninclude one or more of a light sensor 341, a motion sensor 342, andtemperature sensor 343, a camera 344 and/or an air quality sensor 345.It is to be understood that this is not an exhaustive list of sensors.That is additional or alternate sensors can be utilized for lightingand/or environmental control of a structure that utilizes the lightingcontrol sub-system 300. The sensor 330 is coupled to the smart sensorCPU 335, and the sensor 330 generates a sensed input. For at least oneembodiment, at least one of the sensors is utilized for communicationwith the mobile device.

According to at least some embodiments, the controllers (manager CPU 320and the smart sensor CPU 335) are operative to control a light output ofthe luminaire 340 based at least in part on the sensed input, andcommunicate at least one of state or sensed information to the externaldevice.

For at least some embodiments, the high-voltage manager 304 receives thehigh-power voltage and generates power control for the luminaire 340,and generates a low-voltage supply for the smart sensor system 302. Assuggested, the high-voltage manager 304 and the smart sensor system 302interact to control a light output of the luminaire 340 based at leastin part on the sensed input, and communicate at least one of state orsensed information to the external device. The high-voltage manager 304and the smart sensor system 302 can also receive state or controlinformation from the external device, which can influence the control ofthe light output of the luminaire 340. While the manager CPU 320 of thehigh-voltage manager 304 and the smart sensor CPU 335 of the smartsensor system 302 are shown as separate controllers, it is to beunderstood that for at least some embodiments the two separatecontrollers (CPUs) 320, 335 can be implemented as single controller orCPU.

For at least some embodiments, at least one of the (CPUs) 320, 335manage the transmission of the beacons.

For at least some embodiments, the communication interface 350 providesa wireless link to external devices (for example, the centralcontroller, the mobile device and/or other lighting sub-systems ordevices). Further, for an embodiment, the communication interface 350provides a means for the (CPUs) 320, 335 to control the transmission ofthe beacons.

An embodiment of the high-voltage manager 304 of the lighting controlsub-system 300 further includes an energy meter (also referred to as apower monitoring unit), which receives the electrical power of thelighting control sub-system 300. The energy meter measures and monitorsthe power being dissipated by the lighting control sub-system 300. Forat least some embodiments, the monitoring of the dissipated powerprovides for precise monitoring of the dissipated power. Therefore, ifthe manager CPU 320 receives a demand response (typically, a requestfrom a power company that is received during periods of high powerdemands) from, for example, a power company, the manager CPU 320 candetermine how well the lighting control sub-system 300 is responding tothe received demand response. Additionally, or alternatively, themanager CPU 320 can provide indications of how much energy (power) isbeing used, or saved.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart that includes steps of a method of controlling alight fixture, according to an embodiment. A first step 410 includesgenerating, by a sensor of the light fixture, a sense signal base on atleast one of sensed motion or light. A second step 420 includesmaintaining a communications link between the light fixture and anetwork. A third step 430 includes managing communication with thenetwork. A fourth step 440 includes managing transmission of beaconsthrough wireless communication circuitry of the light fixture, whereinthe beacons include information associated with the fixture. A fifthstep 450 includes generating dimming control base on at least one of thesensed signal and communication from the network. A sixth step 460includes adjusting a dimming control line of a luminaire of the lightfixture based on the dimming control.

For at least some embodiments, the sensor includes a motion sensor, andwherein managing transmission of the beacons comprises triggeringtransmission of a beacon upon sensing motion by the motion sensor.

For at least some embodiments, managing transmission of the beaconscomprises transmitting the beacons with at a transmission signal powerlevel of less than a threshold level, wherein the transmitted beaconcover less than predetermined area.

For at least some embodiments, a plurality of other light fixturestransmit beacons at a transmission signal power level of less than thethreshold, enabling a mobile device to receive beacons from the lightfixture and the other light fixtures and estimate a location of themobile device, wherein estimating the location of the mobile devicecomprises measuring a receive signal strength of the received beacons,estimating a distance between the mobile device and the light fixtureand between the mobile device and each of the other light fixtures, andestimating the location by triangulating the estimated distances.

For at least some embodiments, each of the light fixture and the otherlight fixtures transmit the beacons after sensing motion, therebylimiting how many light fixtures transmit beacons.

For at least some embodiments, managing the transmission of beaconsincludes receiving a location request from a mobile device, andresponding with transmission of one or more beacons, wherein thetransmitted beacons include a location of the light fixture, and whereinthe mobile device determines its location based on the locationinformation of the light fixture.

FIG. 5 shows a user commissioning a light fixture 510 of a lightingcontrol system, according to an embodiment. For at least someembodiments, a user travels about a structure 500 and communicates(through a mobile device 530) with light fixtures (such as, lightfixture 510) within the structure. The user or the mobile device 530identifies a location of the mobile device 530 at the time the mobiledevice 530 or the user is communicating with the light fixtures. For atleast some embodiments, during communication with the light fixture 510,the user and the mobile device 530 are located physically proximate tothe light fixture 510. Therefore, a location of the light fixture 510can be approximated by the location of the user and/or the mobile device530. Once determined or approximated, the location of the light fixture510 can be communicated to a central controller 520, wherein the centralcontroller 520 logs the location of the light fixture 510 for futurereference.

The described embodiments include various different embodiments of thecentral controller. For an embodiment, the central controller is astandalone server. For another embodiment, the central controller is amobile device that can be carried and transported by the user. For yetanother embodiment, the central controller is a mobile device that canbe carried by the user, and additionally synchronized to another centralcontrolling device. For another embodiment, the gateway 550 and centralcontroller 520 are combined in a single device that includes thefunctionality of both. For another embodiment, the central controller isincluded within one or more of the fixtures. That is, the controller canbe included within a single fixture, or the functionality of thecontroller can be distributed among controllers within multiple of thefixtures.

For at least some embodiments, the commissioning process begins with thecentral controller 520 broadcasting a message that is received by one ormore light fixtures, such as, light fixture 510. As shown, for anembodiment, the central controller 520 communicates with the lightfixture 510 through a gateway 550. The communication channel between thecentral controller 520 and the gateway 550 can be wired or wireless. Foran embodiment, the communication channel is an Ethernet connection.Further, the communication channel between the gateway 550 and the lightfixture can be wired or wireless. Note for other embodiments, thecommissioning process can be initiated by the fixture themselves.

For an embodiment, reception of the broadcast puts the light fixture 510into a predetermined or known mode of operation. For an embodiment,reception of the broadcast message puts the light fixture 510 in theknown condition, thereby communicating to the user that the lightfixture 510 is prepared for commissioning. Once ready for commissioning,communication between the user or the mobile device 530 and the lightfixture 510, can be completed. For an embodiment, reception of thebroadcast message causes the light fixture 510 to power cycle and dim,and further, to report a sensed light levels corresponding with thepower cycling.

When the light fixture 510 is prepared for communication, the mobiledevice 530 establishes communication with the light fixture. For anembodiment, the communication is initiated by a light emitting device ofthe user that generates pulses (strobes) of light. A light sensor of thelight fixture 510 sensing the pulsing light, and then communicates backto the user 511 that communication from the user 511 has been received.For an embodiment, the light fixture 510 communicates to the user with avisible (such as a light) indicator. While this embodiment includecommunicating between the mobile device 530 (or user) being accomplishedthrough light, it is to be understood that any method of communicationcan be used, including, but not limited to audio, motion and/orelectromagnetic communication. The communication provides a means forestablishing the location of the light fixture based on a location ofthe user/mobile device.

Once the location of the light fixture 510 has been determined orestimated, the location of the light fixture 510 is communicated to thecentral controller 520. For an embodiment, the user physically entersthe location into the central controller 520. For another embodiment,the mobile device 530 automatically updates the central controller 520.For another embodiment, the light fixture 510 obtains its locationinformation, and updates the central controller. For another embodiment,the central controller 520 and the mobile device 530 are the same devicewhich automatically updates its own light fixture data base.

The location information can be determined in a number of ways. The usermay know where he/she is located within the structure. For anembodiment, the mobile device 530 includes a global positioning system(GPS) receiver and automatically determines its location. For at leastsome embodiments, the mobile device 530 determines its location bytriangulating received radio frequency (RF) signal from, for example,WiFi routers located proximate to the mobile device 530. By knowing thelocations of the WiFi routers, the mobile device can approximate itslocation based on the know locations and a received signal strength ofthe RF signals of the WiFi routers.

FIG. 6 shows a user commissioning the light fixture 610 of a lightingcontrol system of a structure 600, according to another embodiment. Forthis embodiment, a first communication link is established between thecentral controller 620 and the light fixture 610, and a secondcommunication link is established between the mobile device 630 and thecentral controller 620. For an embodiment, the second communication linkincludes a direct WiFi (802.11) wireless link. For another embodiment,the second communication link includes an indirect link through aservice provider 640. That is, for example, the mobile device 630 canestablish a wireless (such as, cellular) link to the service provider640. The service provider 640 is then network connected to the centralcontroller 620.

FIG. 7 shows a commissioning a gateway of a lighting control system,according to an embodiment. The embodiments for commissioning a lightfixture can be extended to further include commissioning of otherdevices of the lighting system, such as, gateways (such as, gateway740), sensors (such as, sensor system 780), which can themselves bystandalone devices, and switches.

For an embodiment, the gateway includes a simple pass through devicethat just converts from one communication medium to the other. For aspecific embodiment, the gateway converts messages from the IEEE802.15.4 standard to the IEEE 802.11 standard.

For various embodiments, the switches include any of one or more controldevices, such as, a wall switch, a desktop remote, a cell phone ortablet.

As shown in FIG. 7, several light fixtures 710, 760, 770 can determinetheir location utilizing the described embodiments. Further, the lightfixtures 710, 760, 770 are in communication with, for example, a gateway740. For at least some embodiments, after the light fixtures 710, 760,770 and/or sensor system 780, have determined their location, the lightfixtures 710, 760, 770 and/or sensor system 780, transmit wirelessmessages that include their determined location. The gateway 740receives the wireless messages, and is able to approximate its locationby triangulating based on the locations of the light fixtures 710, 760,770. That is, based on a received signal strength (RSSI) of the receivedwireless signals, the gateway 740 can approximate its distance from eachof the light fixtures 710, 760, 770. Further, based on the location ofeach light fixture 710, 760, 770 and/or sensor system 780, includedwithin the received wireless messages, the gateway 740 can approximateits own location.

While FIG. 7 only shows a single gateway 740, other embodiments includeany number of gateways. The embodiments for location determination canbe used for commissioning the gateways. Further, embodiments includegateway discovery, wherein the central controller provides one or moregateways with IP addresses. Further, for at least some embodiments, thelocation determination of each of the gateways includes each gatewaynotifying the central controller when the gateway has received a messagefrom at least one light fixture, wherein the message received from theat least one light fixture indicates that the at least one light fixturehas received communication from the user, wherein the central controllerdetermines the location of the gateway based on the location of thelight fixture.

Alternatively, or additionally, other lighting system devices can becommissioned, and determine their location as well.

As shown, for an embodiment, the gateway 740 is network connected to acentral controller 720. Further, as previously described, for at leastsome embodiments, a mobile (user) device 730 establishes a link to thelight fixture 710. Further, for at least some embodiments, the user 712logs locations of light fixtures of a structure 700 with the centralcontroller 720.

The sensor system 780 (which can be an embodiment of the smart sensorsystem 202 of FIG. 2) can be utilized to provide additional information.For example, unlike the light fixtures 710, 760, 770, the sensor systemcan be strategically located within a structure. For example, the sensorsystem 780 may include a temperature sensor. By locating the sensorsystem 780 at a location within the structure that more closelyapproximates the temperature within the structure where occupants arelocated, the temperature sensed by the sensor system 780 more accuratelyrepresents the temperature that the occupants are subject to. That is,the light fixtures 710, 760, 770 are typically located on a ceiling ofthe structure which does not allow for an accurate representation of thetemperature within the structure that occupants are experiencing.

FIG. 8 shows a distributed lighting control system that includes thatincludes a logical group of light fixtures 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, 826and a central controller 810, according to an embodiment. As described,for an embodiment, the central controller 810 can communicate with thelight fixtures 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, 826 through a gateway 820. Atleast some embodiments of the lighting control system include aplurality of the lighting control sub-system (each lighting controlsub-system can include a light fixture). Each of the lighting controlsub-systems can operate independently, in coordination with otherlighting control sub-systems (for example, existing hard-wired systems),and/or in coordination with a central controller. As such, each of thelighting control sub-systems can be independently installed, and adapttheir operation accordingly.

As shown, the light fixtures 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, 826 can beorganized, or they can organize themselves into logical groups. Onceincluded as a part of a logical group, a light fixture can be controlledbased on state or sense information of other light fixtures within thelogical group. Additionally, the logical group can be commonlycontrolled. For an embodiment, at least one of the logical groupsincludes a motion sensing group. For an embodiment, at least one of thelogical groups includes an ambient light group. For an embodiment, atleast one of the logical groups includes a logical switch group. For anembodiment, at least one of the logical groups includes a logicaltemperature group. Further, logical groups can be defined by attributesof a structure in which the light fixtures are located. For example,light fixture located within a hallway of a structure may be grouped,light fixtures within a conference room, a bath room or a storage roommay be grouped into logical groups.

During commissioning, the logical groups can be auto-assigned based oninformation, like location, that is determined during commissioning.Group attributes can be selected based on location and type (likecorridor, office). Based on the maps and known locations, logical groupscan be intelligently and automatically allocated. Further, logical groupformations can be influenced by the locations of the light fixturesdetermined during commissioning.

As previously stated, an embodiment of the lighting control sub-systemincludes a communication interface, a controller (listed in discussionas a single controller, but as previously described, at least someembodiment include multiple controllers, such as, the high-voltagemanager 204 and the smart sensor CPU 235), a luminaire, a light sensor,and a motion sensor. For an embodiment, the luminaire is a lighting unitconsisting of one or more lamps, socket(s) and parts that hold thelamp(s) in place and protect them, wiring that connects the lamp(s) to apower source, and reflector(s) to help direct and distribute the light.Various embodiments of luminaires include bulb technologies, such asincandescent, florescent, and LED (light emitting diode). Further,various embodiments of the luminaires are controllably turned on andoff, and further, are controllably dimmable.

For at least some embodiments, the controller makes decisions as toturning on, turning off, and dimming the luminaires. The controller doesthis, for example, either due to command from an external device (suchas, the central controller), or by processing decision rules usinginputs from the sensors, a saved configuration, time of day, passage oftime from past sensor inputs, and/or from state or sensor values fromother sub-systems. Additionally or alternatively, learned behavior caninfluence the decisions.

For at least some embodiments, the sensors sense (or measures) somephysical quantity and converts it into a digital value. For anembodiment, the sensors are packaged together with the controller. Morespecifically, for various embodiments of the lighting controlsub-system, multiple sensors of the lighting control sub-system includea motion sensor, a light sensor, and temperature sensors located in thesame physical module, which is connected to the other physical moduleswith a cable. For an embodiment, the sensor(s) are physically locatedbeside the luminaire, and the motion and light sensors are directedtowards the floor of a structure in which the lighting controlsub-system is located. For an embodiment, the sensor(s) are directlyconnected to the controller.

For an embodiment, the controller is further operative to receiveinformation from an external device, wherein the received informationinfluences a current state of the lighting control sub-system, or thereceived information includes parameters that influence a future stateof the lighting control sub-system. For an embodiment, the receivedinformation influences a lighting control sub-system profile. For anembodiment, the lighting sub-system profile includes a set of values(parameters) that affect the operation of the controller in determininghow it controls the light output of the luminaire based on current andpast sensor inputs, time of day or passage of time. For at least someembodiments, the parameters are adaptively updated.

For at least some embodiments, the controller is operative to receive aplurality of lighting control sub-system profiles. That is, there can bemore than one lighting control sub-system profile, and the lightingcontrol sub-system profiles can be adaptively updated. Morespecifically, an active profile or present profile of the plurality oflighting control sub-system profiles can be adaptively updated. Further,for at least some embodiments, the external device can add, replace ordelete one or more profiles of the plurality of lighting controlsub-system profiles.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart that includes steps of a method of commissioninga light fixture, according to an embodiment. A first step 910 includesreceiving, by the light fixture, a broadcast message from a centralcontroller, wherein reception of the broadcast message puts the lightfixture into a known condition. A second step 920 includes establishingcommunication between the light fixture and a user. A third step 930includes communicating, by either the light fixture or the user, alocation of the user at a time of the established communication, to thecentral controller, thereby allowing the central controller to record alocation of the light fixture.

As described, for an embodiment, putting the light fixture in the knowncondition communicates to the user that the light fixture is preparedfor commissioning. The communication to the user can be visual, audible,or communicated to the user by any means available.

An embodiment further includes initiating diagnostics of the lightingsystem of the light fixture. That is, different lighting system devicescan communicate with each other over different communication channels.Through this communication, the lighting system devices can rundiagnostics to test, for example, that all the electrical wiring hasbeen done correctly, the sensors are working correctly and thecontrollable systems (lights, etc.) are responding correctly.

For an embodiment, the light fixture is a part of a lighting system thatincludes other lighting system devices, such as, gateways and switches.An embodiment further includes determining a communication link qualitybetween the light fixture and one or more lighting system devices. Anembodiment further includes estimating a location of at least one of thelighting system devices based on the location of the light fixture andthe communication link quality between the light fixture and the atleast one lighting system device. An embodiment further includesestimating the location of the at least one lighting system device basedon locations of a plurality of lighting fixtures, and link qualitiesbetween the at least one lighting system device and each of theplurality of lighting fixtures. That is, for example, trilaterationbetween the lighting system device and the plurality of lightingfixtures can be used to estimate the location of the lighting systemdevice.

An embodiment further includes discovering the one or more gateways,wherein discovery includes providing, by the central controller, the oneor more gateways with IP addresses, and determining a location of eachof the gateways, including each gateway notifying the central controllerwhen the gateway has received a message from at least one light fixture,wherein the message received from the at least one light fixtureindicates that the at least one light fixture has received communicationfrom the user, wherein the central controller determines the location ofthe gateway based on the location of the light fixture. For anembodiment, if multiple gateways receive the message, a signal qualityof the message is used to determine which of the gateways is closest tothe at least one light fixture, and therefore determines the location ofthe gateway that is the closest.

An embodiment includes sensing, by the light fixture, a presence of auser. For an embodiment, the presence of the user is sensed through amotion sensor.

For an embodiment, establishing the communication link includes thelight fixture providing the user with an indicator that the lightfixture has received an initial communication from the user. For anembodiment, the communication is established between the light fixtureand the user through a strobing light. For an embodiment, thecommunication is established between the light fixture and the userthrough an RF signal, such as, 802.15.4 or Zigbee.

For an embodiment, establishing the communication between the lightfixture and the user includes the light fixture modulation lightemitting from the fixture with information that provides identificationof the light fixture. That is, for example, for an embodiment, the lightfixture is operative to modulate light emitted from the light fixturewith information that uniquely identifies the light fixture. Forexample, the information can include a MAC (media access control)address or an IP (internet protocol) address of the light fixture. Theuser can have a mobile device in the user's possession that demodulatesthe modulated light, thereby providing the mobile device with theidentification information of the light fixture. This information alongwith the location information of the light fixture can be communicatedto the central controller, thereby allowing the central controller tolog the identification information of the light fixture along with thelocation information of the light fixture.

An embodiment further includes the user communicating the location ofthe light fixture directly to the central controller. This communicationcan be one or more of several different forms. For an embodiment, theuser directly enters the location information to the central controller.For another embodiment, the user communicates (for example, via mobiledevice to mobile device through either a cellular or WiFi network) thelocation information to a second user who manually enters the location.For an embodiment, the user wirelessly communicates the locationinformation through a network that is connected to the centralcontroller. Again, the wireless communication can be cellular or WiFi.As previously described, for an embodiment, the mobile device and thecentral controller are the same device. For another embodiment, thelight fixture communicates the location of the light fixture directly tothe central controller.

As previously described, an embodiment includes a plurality of otherlight fixtures automatically determining their location based on thelocation of the light fixture. That is, once locations of several lightfixtures have been determine, these light fixtures and their locationcan be used to allow other fixtures to automatically determined theirown locations based off of the reception of messages from theknown-location light fixtures. For example, the other light fixtures cantriangulate based on estimated distances between the other lightfixtures and the known-location fixtures. The messages include thelocation of the known-location fixture, and the distance can beestimated based on the received signal strength of the messages.

An embodiment further includes a plurality of light fixtures, whereineach light fixture automatically establishing communication between thelight fixture and the user as the user travels in a structure thatincludes the plurality of light fixtures, wherein each light fixtureautomatically determines its location based on the establishedcommunication. That is, for example, a user can merely “walk around” astructure. The light fixtures automatically communicate with a mobiledevice. The location of the mobile device can be automaticallycommunicated to the light fixtures, allowing each light fixture toestimate their location. GPS within the mobile device can be used todetermine the location of the user. The communication links between themobile device and each light fixture can be established when the mobiledevice is within a predetermined proximate distance of the lightfixture.

Maps or floor plans of a structure in which the light fixtures arelocated can be utilized to aid the automatic location determination andgrouping process. The maps can be photos or graphical illustrations ofthe floor plan which highlight relative locations of the light fixtures.The mapped locations can be used to make the trilateration process moreaccurate. Once the location is determined through trilateration, a“snap-to-grid” process can be utilized to align the estimated locationto the known fixture locations. The maps and determined locations canalso be used to provide more information about space within thestructure, for example, whether a space is an office, hallway, openarea, etc.

Lighting Fixture Reception of Beacons

FIG. 10 shows a plurality of light fixtures 1010, 1011, 1012, 1013within a structure 1000 that receive beacons that are transmitted by adevice (also referred to as an object, or as a mobile device because forsome embodiments the device is mobile) 1030, according to an embodiment.While at least some of the described embodiments include light fixturestransmitting beacons, at least some embodiments alternatively oradditionally include one or more lighting fixtures receiving beaconsfrom one or more devices.

As shown, a device (object) 1030 transmits beacons that are received byat least a subset of the light fixtures 1010, 1011, 1013. The lightfixtures receive the beacons, and utilizing at least some informationincluded within the beacons, one or more of the light fixtures managethe received beacons.

For an embodiment, a power level of signals transmitted from the device(object) 1030 is limited to be less than a threshold. By limiting thepower level of the transmitted signals, the distance at which thetransmitted signals can be received by the light fixtures is limited.For example, for an embodiment, the transmitted signal includeslow-power Bluetooth® wireless signals. Due to the transmitted signalbeing low-power, one or more of the light fixtures only receive beaconsfrom the device (object) 1030 if the device (object) 1030 is within alimited range (distance) from the one or more light fixtures. For anembodiment, the power level of the transmitted signals is set to be ator lower than a threshold amount to ensure that the device (object) 1030is within a specified range (distance) of a light fixture in order forthe light fixture to receive transmitted beacons. For example, the lightfixtures 1010, 1011, 1013 may receive beacons transmitted from thedevice 1030, but the fixture 1012 may not receive a beacon because thedevice 1030 is out of range of the fixture 1012.

For at least some embodiments, one or more light fixture is operative todetermine a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the receivedbeacons, wherein the information associated with the object includes atleast transmission power of the beacons, and wherein the one or morecontrollers associated with one or more light fixtures is operative(either locally and/or by a central or external controller) to estimatea distance between the light fixture and the object based on the RSSI ofthe received beacons and the transmission power of the beacons.

For at least some embodiment, the beacons include identificationinformation that uniquely identifies the device (object) 1030 thattransmitted the beacon. For at least some embodiments, the informationassociated with the object includes at least one of a transmission powerof the beacons, a unique ID of the object, remaining battery power ofthe object, or manufacturer ID, device model, or communication protocolversion.

In some environments there may be devices transmitting beacons which arenot managed by the fixture. For at least some embodiments, the uniqueID, a portion of the unique ID, or the manufacturer ID can be used tofilter or ignore some received beacons. Filtering the received beaconsbased on manufacturer ID can have an advantage that filtering can bedone without querying a database of unique ID data. Such a databasewould either require memory space on the controller, or take time toquery if it were stored in a separate controller.

For at least some embodiments, the information associated with theobject includes sensed motion of the object. That is, motion of theobject is sensed, and information of this sensed motion is includedwithin the beacons transmitted by the object or mobile device. For anembodiment, the sensed motion includes sensed acceleration of theobject. For example, an accelerometer associated with the object sensesmotion or acceleration of the object. For an embodiment, a controllerassociated with the object includes the sensed acceleration in thebeacons transmitted by the object.

For at least some embodiments, one or more controllers associated withthe light fixtures are operative to detect an orientation of the objectat rest based on the magnitude and direction of acceleration in a threeaxis coordinate system. If the device is stationary, the force ofgravity acts on the accelerometer in a direction perpendicular to theground, producing a measurement equivalent 1G, whereas the other twoperpendicular directions will have acceleration close to zero. Deviceorientation can be valuable in interpreting RSSI in the context of anantenna that causes transmission strength to vary with orientation. Ifthe device is rigidly attached to an object of interest which has apreferred orientation, device orientation information can be operativeto indicate an alarm condition.

For at least some embodiments, the sensed acceleration of the object isused to detect if the object is moving, or stationary. Stationaryobjects will exhibit very little change in acceleration. The judgementof whether the object is moving can be used to influence a rate at whichthe device transmits the beacons. That is, for an embodiment, sensedaccelerometer data is used locally at the object to control a frequencyof beacon message transmission. For an embodiment, the beacontransmission rate is lower if the object is determined to be stationarywhich reduces power requirements. For an embodiment, when the object isdetermined to be moving, the beacon transmission rate is increased. Foran embodiment, the device 1030 only transmits beacons when a motionsensor of the device 1030 senses motion of the device 1030. Thisadvantageously saves power consumed by the device 1030 and the lightfixtures 1010, 1011, 1012, 1013 because the device only transmitsbeacons and the light fixtures 1010, 1011, 1012, 1013 only receive thesebeacons which consumes power when a motion of the device 1030 isdetected through motion detection.

For at least some embodiments, the information associated with theobject includes at least one of gyroscope data, magnetometer data,temperature data, air quality measurements.

For at least some embodiments, one or more controllers associated withone or more light fixtures is operative to estimate a distance betweenthe light fixture and the object based in part by an RSSI of thereceived beacons and a transmission power of the beacons, and wherein atleast one of the controller and another controller is operative toestimate a location of the object based on the estimated distance. Thatis, for example, each of a plurality of light fixtures receives beaconsand each light fixture estimates a distance between the object and thereceiving light fixture. The location of the object can be estimatedbased on known locations of each of the receiving light fixtures, andtrilateration based on the estimated distances between each receivinglight fixture and the object.

RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) is known to fluctuate based onmultipath effects and interference with objects or structures in thearea. These effects can increase the location error of trilaterationlocation methods. Another embodiment includes alternatively, oradditionally (that is, supplement other location methods) determining alocation based on RSSI fingerprinting. In this approach the signalstrength for a number of receivers is measured at a sampling oflocations and stored. During localization (location determination), thestored values are compared to currently measured values to find the bestmatching location. The stored RSSI values at a given location can be tobe updated as the environment changes, for instance, furniture is moved.This update process can be performed from data captured while tracking amobile device. The tracked device will follow a connected smooth path inmost cases. The most likely path can provide location data and RSSIrecords at sample locations on that path. These can be compared tostored RSSI fingerprints and adapted when a consistent variation hasbeen detected over time.

For at least some embodiments, location error is reduced by restrictingobjects from being located in areas where travel is not possible, thatis, traveling through areas where there is a wall, or in general onpaths that are not navigable. For at least some embodiments, typicaltravel paths are learned from occupancy data which is derived fromindependent sensors, and from floor plan data which must be known forfixture commissioning.

These object location methods apply in the described systemconfigurations, that is, when beacons are transmitted from fixtures andreceived by a mobile device, or when beacons are transmitted by a deviceand received by the fixtures.

For at least some embodiments, the sensed acceleration includes amagnitude and direction of acceleration of the object along one or moredirections. Integration of acceleration can be used to provide estimatesof velocity, and integration of velocity and be used to provideestimates of position. The error accumulates quickly however, so theseestimates are used over short movements. These estimates can also beused in combination with RSSI based position estimates to reduce overallestimation error for moving targets.

Gyroscope data, which measures device rotation, and magnetometer data,which acts as a compass to measure absolute orientation, can providevery useful data for location update estimation and are often usedtogether with accelerometer data to reduce drift or improve accuracy inposition update estimates.

For an embodiment, the light fixture is further operative to sensemotion, and wherein location of the object is determined only aftersensing the motion. That is, for example, a motion sensor of the fixturecan sense motion, which provides sensing of occupancy of a room orstructure in which the light fixture is located. The one or morecontrollers receives the occupancy data and the received beacon data anduses the data together to produce a location estimate for the beacon. Inparticular, if the beacon data (sensors at the beacon, RSSI data for allsensors receiving the beacon) produces a new position estimate thatcorresponds to a location in which a fixture has not sensed motion willbe considered a lower probability estimate compared to a location wherethe fixture has sensed motion.

FIG. 11 shows a light fixture, according to another embodiment. Thisembodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2, but includes thecontroller 1135 of the light fixture 1102 managing the reception ofbeacons rather that transmission of beacons.

FIG. 12 shows a light fixture, according to another embodiment. Thisembodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3, but includes thesmart sensor CPU 1235 of the smart sensor system 1202 managing thereception of beacons rather that transmission of beacons.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart that includes steps of a method of controlling alight fixture, according to another embodiment. A first step 1310includes generating, by a sensor of the light fixture, a sense signalbase on at least one of sensed motion or light. A second step 1320includes maintaining a communications link between the light fixture anda network. A third step 1330 includes managing communication with thenetwork. A fourth step 1340 includes managing manage reception ofbeacons through the wireless communication circuitry, wherein thebeacons are received from an object, and the beacons include informationassociated with the object. A fifth step 1350 includes generatingdimming control base on at least one of the sensed signal andcommunication from the network. A sixth step 1360 includes adjusting adimming control line of a luminaire of the light fixture based on thedimming control.

As previously described, for at least some embodiments, the informationassociated with the object includes at least one of a transmission powerof the beacons, a unique ID of the object, or remaining battery power ofthe object.

As previously described, for at least some embodiments, the lightfixture is operative to determine a received signal strength indicator(RSSI) of the received beacons, wherein the information associated withthe object includes at least transmission power of the beacons, andwherein the controller is operative to estimate a distance between thelight fixture and the object based on the RSSI of the received beaconsand the transmission power of the beacons.

As previously described, for at least some embodiments, the informationassociated with the object includes sensed motion of the object, whereinthe sensed motion includes sensed acceleration of the object. For atleast some embodiments, the sensed acceleration of the object influencesa rate at which the object transmits the beacons.

As previously described, for at least some embodiments, estimating adistance between the light fixture and the object based on an RSSI ofthe received beacons and a transmission power of the beacons, andestimating a location of the object based on the estimated distance.

FIG. 14 shows a plurality of light fixtures 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413 thattransmit beacons that are received by a device 1430, and the pluralityof fixtures 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413 receive beacons that are transmittedby the device 1430, according to an embodiment. For example, fixture1410 transmits downlink (DL) beacons to the device 1430 and receivesuplink (UL) beacons transmitted by the device 1430. Fixture 1411transmits downlink (DL) beacons to the device 1430 and receives uplink(UL) beacons transmitted by the device 1430. Fixture 1413 transmitsdownlink (DL) beacons to the device 1430 and receives uplink (UL)beacons transmitted by the device 1430. However, Fixture 1412 transmitsdownlink (DL) beacons to the device 1430, but does not receive uplink(UL) beacons transmitted by the device 1430 because, for example, thedevice 1430 is too far away from the fixture 1412. The transmissionpower level of beacons transmitted in one direction may be more reliablyreceived than beacons transmitted in the opposite direction. Forexample, the beacons transmitted in the downlink direction may be morereliable than beacons transmitted in the uplink direction.

The bidirectional transmission of the beacons between the device 1430and the light fixtures 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413 provides for betteraccuracy in the determination of distances between the device 1430 andeach of the light fixtures 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413. Further thebidirectional transmission of the beacons between the device 1430 andthe light fixtures 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413 provides redundancy ininformation needed to determine distances between the device 1430 andthe light fixtures 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413. For example, beacons may betransmitted from the light fixtures 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413 at a higherpower level. Further, different wireless transmission protocols can beused in the uplink which is different from the transmission protocolsused in the downlink.

At least some embodiments include adaptively determining which of theuplink and downlink beacons provide the better distance estimates, andadaptively calculating the distances accordingly. That is, one directionmay be selected to be exclusively used for location determination, orthe location determination may adaptively adjust how much of aninfluence either the uplink or downlink beacons have in thedetermination.

As shown, for an embodiment, the light fixtures 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413are interfaced with a central of cloud controller or server 1475. For atleast some embodiments, the distance calculations are at least partiallyperformed by the cloud server 1475.

Although specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, thedescribed embodiments are not to be limited to the specific forms orarrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The embodiments arelimited only by the appended claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A fixture comprising: a sensor unit, wherein thesensor unit is located at a fixed location, and wherein the sensor unitcomprises; a plurality sensors, the plurality of sensors operative togenerate a sense signals based on sensed motion and sensed light;wireless communication circuitry, the wireless communication circuitryoperative to maintain a wireless link with a network; a controller, thecontroller operative to: manage communication with the network, whereinthe communication includes at least information of the sensed signals;manage reception of beacons through the wireless communicationcircuitry, wherein the beacons are received from at least a mobileobject, and at least some of the beacons include information associatedwith the mobile object, wherein the information associated with themobile object includes at least a unique ID of the mobile object and atransmission power of the beacons, wherein managing the reception of thebeacons further includes filtering the received beacons based on theunique ID; determine a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of thereceived beacons; and estimate a distance between the fixture and themobile object based on the RSSI of the received beacons and thetransmission power of the beacons.
 2. The fixture of claim 1, whereinthe information associated with the mobile object includes a remainingbattery power of the mobile object.
 3. The fixture of claim 1, whereinthe information associated with the mobile object includes sensed motionof the mobile object, and wherein the beacons are only transmitted bythe mobile object if motion of the mobile object is sensed.
 4. Thefixture of claim 3, wherein the sensed motion includes sensedacceleration of the mobile object.
 5. The fixture of claim 4, whereinthe sensed acceleration includes a magnitude and direction ofacceleration of the mobile object along one or more directions.
 6. Thefixture of claim 1, wherein the information associated with the mobileobject includes at least one of gyroscope data, magnetometer data,temperature data, air quality measurements.
 7. The fixture of claim 1,wherein the fixture is operative to transmit wireless downlink beaconsto the mobile object, wherein a different transmission protocol is usedfor the transmitted wireless downlink beacons to the mobile object thanfor the received beacons from the mobile object through the wirelesscommunication circuitry, wherein the controller is further operative toestimate the distance between the fixture and the mobile object based ona received signal power of the downlink beacons received at the mobileobject, and wherein at least one of the controller and anothercontroller is operative to estimate a location of the mobile objectbased on the estimated distance.
 8. The fixture of claim 7, whereinestimating the location of the mobile object is further based on sensedmotion data within the beacons.
 9. The fixture of claim 1, wherein thecontroller is further operative to sense motion, and wherein location ofthe mobile object is determined only after sensing the motion.
 10. Thefixture of claim 1, wherein a power level of transmission of the beaconsfrom the mobile object is limited to below a threshold.
 11. A fixturecomprising: a sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit is located at a fixedlocation, and wherein the sensor unit comprises; a plurality sensors,the plurality of sensors operative to generate sense signals based onsensed motion and sensed light; communication circuitry, thecommunication circuitry operative to maintain a link with a network; acontroller, the controller operative to: manage communication with thenetwork, wherein the communication includes at least information of thesensed signals; manage reception of beacons through the wirelesscommunication circuitry, wherein the beacons are received from a mobileobject, and at least some of the beacons include information associatedwith the mobile object, wherein the information associated with themobile object includes at least a unique ID of the mobile object and atransmission power of the beacons, wherein managing the reception of thebeacons further includes filtering the received beacons based on theunique ID; wherein the information associated with the mobile objectincludes sensed motion of the mobile object, wherein the sensed motionincludes sensed acceleration of the mobile object, wherein the sensedacceleration includes a magnitude and direction of acceleration of themobile object along one or more directions, and wherein the controlleris further operative to detect an orientation of the mobile object atrest and a direction and a magnitude of movement of the mobile objectbased on the magnitude and direction of the acceleration of the mobileobject along one or more directions; and wherein the fixture isoperative to; determine a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) ofthe received beacons; estimate a distance between the fixture and themobile object based on the RSSI of the received beacons and thetransmission power of the beacons; determine a location of the mobileobject based on the sensed signals and the the estimated distancebetween the fixture and the mobile object, and wherein the fixtureoperates to determine the location of the mobile object only when atleast one of the sensors or the mobile device senses motion.
 12. Amethod of operating a fixture comprising: generating, by a sensor of thefixture, a sense signal based on sensed motion and sensed light;maintaining a communications link between the fixture and a network;managing communication with the network, wherein the communicationincludes at least information of the sensed signals; managing managereception of beacons through the wireless communication circuitry,wherein the beacons are received from a mobile object, and the beaconsinclude information associated with the mobile object, and wherein theinformation associated with the mobile object includes at least a uniqueID of the mobile object and a transmission power of the beacons, whereinmanaging the reception of the beacons further includes filtering thereceived beacons based on the unique ID; determining a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) of the received beacons; and estimating adistance between the fixture and the mobile object based on the RSSI ofthe received beacons and the transmission power of the beacons.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the information associated with the mobileobject includes a remaining battery power of the mobile object.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the fixture is operative to determine areceived signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the received beacons, andwherein the controller is operative to estimate a distance between thefixture and the mobile object based on the RSSI of the received beaconsand the transmission power of the beacons.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein the information associated with the mobile object includessensed motion of the mobile object, wherein the sensed motion includessensed acceleration of the mobile object.
 16. The method of claim 12,further comprising transmitting, by the by the fixture, wirelessdownlink beacons to the mobile object, wherein a different transmissionprotocol is used for the transmitted wireless downlink beacons to themobile object than for the received beacons from the mobile objectthrough the wireless communication circuitry, and further estimating thedistance between the fixture and the mobile object based on a receivedsignal power of the downlink beacons received at the mobile object, andestimating a location of the mobile object based on the estimateddistance.